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Helping fight opioid crisis

While the past several months have proved extremely challenging for healthcare workers, law enforcement and the public at large, there have also been some wonderful organizations and people who have stepped up to serve the community during the current crisis by continuing to battle a long-term scourge: the opioid crisis.

The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Illinois is a statewide organization focused on combating opioid addiction through education, prevention and throughout recovery. Working with local partners like Family Counseling Services and my office, they are sharing resources to help with proper drug disposal and an online platform to help spot the warning signs of drug misuse at home. Their website, www.rali-il.org has a link to this virtual site and contains additional helpful information.

My office has received thousands of in-home drug disposal kits at no cost through RALI, and we have delivered care packages to townships, older-adult facilities, senior services as well as homes of older adults that included these kits. With the temporary suspension of the Sheriff's A Way Out program that offers substance abuse assessment 24/7, it was important to step up efforts to make Deterra available to the community to help safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications.

As we continue to work through these challenging times together, it is great to know we have partners across the county who are working together to help our friends and neighbors in need. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help please encourage them to contact Family Counseling Services in Aurora or visit their website at https://aurorafcs.org/.

Ron Hain, Sheriff

Kane County

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